EP3215393B1 - Systems, apparatus and method for adaptive wireless power transfer - Google Patents
Systems, apparatus and method for adaptive wireless power transfer Download PDFInfo
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- EP3215393B1 EP3215393B1 EP15794763.1A EP15794763A EP3215393B1 EP 3215393 B1 EP3215393 B1 EP 3215393B1 EP 15794763 A EP15794763 A EP 15794763A EP 3215393 B1 EP3215393 B1 EP 3215393B1
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- B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
- B60L53/10—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
- B60L53/12—Inductive energy transfer
- B60L53/122—Circuits or methods for driving the primary coil, e.g. supplying electric power to the coil
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
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- H02J50/10—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
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- H02J7/007—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
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- H02J7/02—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
- H02J7/04—Regulation of charging current or voltage
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M3/00—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output
- H02M3/22—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac
- H02M3/24—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters
- H02M3/28—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac
- H02M3/325—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
- H02M3/335—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
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- H02M3/00—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output
- H02M3/22—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac
- H02M3/24—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters
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- H02M3/325—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
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- H02M3/337—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only in push-pull configuration
- H02M3/3376—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only in push-pull configuration with automatic control of output voltage or current
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- B60L2210/30—AC to DC converters
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- H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
- H02J50/80—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
- H02M1/0048—Circuits or arrangements for reducing losses
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
- H02M1/0048—Circuits or arrangements for reducing losses
- H02M1/0054—Transistor switching losses
- H02M1/0058—Transistor switching losses by employing soft switching techniques, i.e. commutation of transistors when applied voltage is zero or when current flow is zero
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
- Y02T10/92—Energy efficient charging or discharging systems for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors specially adapted for vehicles
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y02T90/14—Plug-in electric vehicles
Definitions
- the present application relates generally to wireless power transfer, and more specifically to systems, apparatus and methods for adaptive wireless power transfer.
- Hybrid electric vehicles include on-board chargers that use power from vehicle braking and traditional motors to charge the vehicles. Vehicles that are solely electric must receive the electricity for charging the batteries from other sources. These electric vehicles are conventionally proposed to be charged through some type of wired alternating current (AC) such as household or commercial AC supply sources.
- AC wired alternating current
- an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter comprises an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in the first bridge mode.
- the controller is further configured to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
- a method for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter comprises adjusting an input resistance of an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in a first bridge mode, the rectifier configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the method comprises adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
- the method comprises receiving the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter.
- a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprises code that, when executed, causes an apparatus configured to wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter to adjust an input resistance of an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in a first bridge mode, the rectifier configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the code when executed, causes an apparatus to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
- the code when executed, causes an apparatus to receive the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter.
- an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter comprises means for rectifying an input from a coupler configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the apparatus comprises means for adjusting an input resistance of the means for rectifying to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the means for rectifying operates in the first bridge mode.
- the apparatus comprises means for adjusting an input resistance of the means for rectifying to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
- an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver comprises an inverter operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the apparatus comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode.
- the controller is configured to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode.
- a method for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver comprises adjusting an input resistance of a rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the method comprises adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode.
- the method comprises wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver.
- a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprises code that, when executed, causes a wireless power transmitter to adjust an input resistance of a rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver.
- wireless power is used herein to mean any form of energy associated with electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetic fields, or otherwise that is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver without the use of physical electromagnetic conductors.
- wireless charging is used herein to mean providing wireless power to one or more electrochemical cells or systems including electrochemical cells for the purpose of recharging the electrochemical cells.
- battery electric vehicle vehicle
- vehicle is used herein to mean a remote system, and example of which is a vehicle that includes, as part of its locomotion abilities, electrical power derived from one or more rechargeable electrochemical cells.
- some vehicles may be hybrid electric vehicles that include on-board chargers that use power from vehicle deceleration and traditional motors to charge the vehicles, other vehicles may draw all locomotion ability from electrical power.
- Other "remote systems” are contemplated including electronic devices and the like.
- Various terms and acronyms are used herein including, but not limited to, the following:
- a remote system is described herein in the form of an electric vehicle (vehicle).
- vehicle vehicle
- Other examples of remote systems are also contemplated including various electronic devices and the like capable of receiving and transferring wireless power.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transfer system 100 for wireless charging enabled remote systems such as a vehicle 102 while the vehicle 102 is parked near a wireless charging base (CB) 104, in accordance with some implementations.
- the vehicle 102 is illustrated in a parking area 106 and parked over the CB 104.
- a local distribution center 108 is connected to a power backbone 110 and is configured to provide an Alternating Current (AC) or a Direct Current (DC) supply 120 to charging base power conversion system 112 as part of the CB 104.
- the CB 104 also includes a primary coupler 114 for generating a magnetic near-field or picking-up energy from a magnetic near-field by a secondary coupler.
- the vehicle 102 includes a battery (not individually shown in FIG. 1 ), a secondary power conversion and power transfer system 116, and a secondary coupler 118 configured to interact with the primary coupler 114.
- the secondary coupler 118 may be aligned with the primary coupler 114 and, therefore, disposed within the near-field region of the primary coupler 114 simply by the driver positioning the vehicle 102 correctly relative to the primary coupler 114.
- the driver may be given visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile feedback or combinations thereof to determine when the vehicle is properly placed for wireless power transfer.
- the vehicle 102 may be positioned by an autopilot system, which may move the vehicle 102 back and forth (e.g., in zig-zag movements) until an alignment error has reached a tolerable value. This may be performed automatically and autonomously by the vehicle 102 without or with only minimal driver intervention provided that the vehicle 102 is equipped with a servo steering wheel, ultrasonic sensors all around and artificial intelligence.
- the CB 104 may be located in a variety of locations. As non-limiting examples, some suitable locations are a parking area at a home of the vehicle owner, parking areas reserved for vehicle wireless charging modeled after conventional petroleum-based filling stations, and parking lots at other locations such as shopping centers or places of employment.
- the wireless power transmit and receive capabilities can be configured as reciprocal such that the CB 104 transfers power to the vehicle 102 and the vehicle 102 transfers power to the CB 104.
- This capability may be useful for power distribution stability by allowing the vehicle 102 to contribute power to the overall distribution system in a similar fashion to how solar-cell power systems may be connected to the power grid and supply excess power to the power grid.
- FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a wireless power transfer system 200 for a vehicle, in accordance with some implementations.
- a conventional power supply 220 which may be AC or DC, supplies power to the primary power conversion module 212, assuming energy transfer towards the vehicle.
- the primary power conversion module 212 drives the primary coupler 214 to emit a desired frequency signal. If the primary coupler 214 and the secondary coupler 218 are tuned to substantially the same frequencies and the secondary coupler 218 is within the near-field of the primary coupler 214, the secondary coupler 218 may couple with the primary coupler 214 such that power may be transferred to the secondary coupler 218 and extracted in the secondary power conversion module 216.
- the secondary power conversion module 216 may then charge the vehicle battery 222.
- the power supply 220, the primary power conversion module 212, and the primary coupler 214 make up the infrastructure part 230 of an overall wireless power transfer system 200, which may be stationary and located at a variety of locations as discussed above.
- the vehicle battery 222, the secondary power conversion module 216, and the secondary coupler 218 make up a wireless power subsystem 240 that is part of the vehicle or part of the battery pack.
- the primary coupler 214 In operation, assuming energy transfer towards the vehicle or battery, input power is provided from the power supply 220 such that the primary coupler 214 generates a radiated field for providing energy transfer.
- the secondary coupler 218 couples to the radiated field and generates output power for storing or consumption by the vehicle.
- the primary coupler 214 and the secondary coupler 218 are configured according to a mutual resonant relationship and when the resonant frequency of the secondary coupler 218 and the resonant frequency of the primary coupler 214 are very close and located in the near-field of the primary coupler 214, transmission losses between the CB and vehicle wireless power subsystems are minimal.
- an efficient energy transfer occurs by coupling a large portion of the energy in the near-field of the primary coupler 214 to the secondary coupler 218 rather than propagating most of the energy in an electromagnetic wave to the far-field.
- a coupling mode may be developed between the primary coupler 214 and the secondary coupler 218.
- the area around the couplers where the near-field coupling may occur is referred to herein as a "near-field coupling-mode region".
- the primary power conversion module 212 and the secondary power conversion module 216 may both include an oscillator, a power amplifier, a filter, and a matching circuit (not shown) for efficient coupling via the couplers 214 and 218.
- the oscillator is configured to generate a desired frequency, which may be adjusted in response to an adjustment signal.
- the oscillator signal may be amplified by the power amplifier with an amplification amount responsive to control signals.
- the filter and matching circuit may be included to filter out harmonics or other unwanted frequencies and match the impedance of the power conversion module 212 to the wireless power coupler 214.
- the primary power conversion module 212 and secondary power conversion module 216 may each also include a rectifier and switching circuitry (not shown) to generate a suitable power output to charge the battery 222.
- Loop antennas may be configured to include an air core or a physical core such as a ferrite core.
- An air core loop antenna may allow the placement of other components within the core area.
- Physical core antennas including ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic materials may allow development of a stronger electromagnetic field and improved coupling.
- Efficient transfer of energy between a transmitter and receiver occurs during matched or nearly matched resonance between a transmitter and a receiver. However, even when resonance between a transmitter and receiver are not matched, energy may be transferred at a lower efficiency. Transfer of energy occurs by coupling energy from the near-field of the primary coupler to the secondary coupler residing in the area where this near-field is established rather than propagating the energy from the primary coupler into free space.
- the resonant frequency of the loop antennas is based on the inductance and capacitance of the loop antennas.
- Inductance in a loop antenna is generally simply the inductance created by the loop, whereas, capacitance is generally added to the loop antenna's inductance to create a resonant structure at a desired resonant frequency.
- a capacitor may be added in series with the antenna to create a resonant circuit that generates a magnetic field. Accordingly, for larger diameter loop antennas, the size of capacitance needed to induce resonance decreases as the diameter or inductance of the loop increases. It is further noted that inductance may also depend on a number of turns of a loop antenna.
- a capacitor may be placed in parallel between the two terminals of the loop antenna (i.e., a parallel resonant circuit).
- Some implementations include coupling power between two couplers that are in the near-fields of each other.
- the near-field is an area around the coupler in which electromagnetic fields exist but may not propagate or radiate away from the coupler.
- Near-field coupling-mode regions are typically confined to a volume that is near the physical volume of the coupler e.g. within a radius of one sixth of the wavelength.
- magnetic type couplers such as single and multi-turn loop antennas may be used for both transmitting and receiving power since magnetic near-field amplitudes in practical implementations tend to be higher for magnetic type couplers in comparison to the electric near-fields of an electric-type antenna (e.g., a small dipole).
- Electric antennas for wireless high power transmission may involve extremely high voltages.
- electric antennas e.g., dipoles and monopoles
- a combination of magnetic and electric antennas are also contemplated.
- FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a wireless power transfer system 300 for a vehicle illustrating communication links 334, guidance links 336, and alignment systems 350 for a primary coupler 314 and a secondary coupler 318, in accordance with some implementations.
- the primary power conversion unit 312 receives AC or DC power from the primary power interface 320 and excites the primary coupler 314 at or near its resonant frequency.
- the secondary coupler 318 when in the near-field coupling-mode region of the primary coupler 314, receives energy from the near-field coupling-mode region to oscillate at or near the resonant frequency.
- the secondary power conversion unit 316 converts the oscillating signal from the secondary coupler 318 to a power signal suitable for charging the battery.
- the system 300 may also include a primary communication unit 326 and a secondary communication unit 344, respectively.
- the primary communication unit 326 may include a communication interface to other systems (not shown) such as, for example, a computer, and a power distribution center.
- the secondary communication unit 344 may include a communication interface 346 to other systems such as, for example, an on-board computer on the vehicle, other battery charging controller, other electronic systems within the vehicles, and remote electronic systems.
- the primary 326 and secondary 344 communication units may include subsystems or functions for specific application with separate communication channels therefore. These communications channels may be separate physical channels or just separate logical channels.
- a primary alignment unit 332 may communicate with a secondary alignment unit 342 to provide a feedback mechanism for more closely aligning the primary coupler 314 and secondary coupler 318, either autonomously or with operator assistance.
- a primary guide unit 330 may communicate with a secondary guide unit 340 to provide a feedback mechanism to guide an operator in aligning the primary coupler 314 and the secondary coupler 318.
- These communication channels may be separate physical communication channels such as, for example, Bluetooth, zigbee, cellular, etc.
- some communication may be performed via the wireless power link without using specific communications antennas.
- the wireless power coupler may also operate as a communications antenna.
- some implementations of the primary side may include a controller (not shown) for enabling keying-type protocols onto the wireless power path. By keying the transmit power level (e.g., Amplitude Shift Keying) at predefined intervals with a predefined protocol, the receiver of a communication can detect a serial communication from the transmitter of that communication.
- the primary power conversions module 312 may include a load sensing circuit (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of active vehicle receivers in the vicinity of the near-field generated by the primary coupler 314.
- a load sensing circuit may monitor the current flowing to a power amplifier, which is affected by the presence or absence of active receivers in the vicinity of the near-field generated by the primary coupler 314. Detection of changes to the loading on the power amplifier may be monitored by the controller for use in determining whether to enable the oscillator for transmitting energy, to communicate with an active receiver, or a combination thereof.
- Vehicle circuitry may include switching circuitry (not shown) for connecting and disconnecting the secondary coupler 318 to the secondary power conversion unit 316. Disconnecting the secondary coupler 318 not only suspends charging, but also changes the "load” as “seen” by the primary coupler 314, which can be used to "cloak” the secondary coupler 318 from the primary coupler 314. The load changes can be detected if the primary coupler 314 includes the load sensing circuit. Accordingly, the primary has a mechanism for determining when secondary couplers are present in the primary coupler's near-field.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a frequency spectrum 400 showing various frequencies that may be available and suitable for wireless charging of vehicles, in accordance with some implementations.
- Some potential, non-limiting frequency ranges for wireless high power transfer to vehicles include: VLF in a 3 kHz to 30 kHz band, lower LF in a 30 kHz to 300 kHz band (e.g., for ISM-like applications) with some exclusions, HF 6.78 MHz (ITU-R ISM-Band 6.765 - 6.795 MHz), HF 13.56 MHz (ITU-R ISM-Band 13.553 - 13.567), and HF 27.12 MHz (ITU-R ISM-Band 26.957 - 27.283).
- FIG. 5 illustrates a parking lot 500 comprising a plurality of parking spaces 507 and a charging base 506 positioned within each parking space 507, in accordance with some implementations.
- a “parking space” may also be referred to herein as a "parking area.”
- a vehicle 505 may be aligned along an X direction (depicted by arrow 502 in FIG. 5 ) and a Y direction (depicted by arrow 503 in FIG. 5 ) to enable a wireless power secondary coupler 504 within the vehicle 505 to be adequately aligned with the wireless power charging base 506 within an associated parking space 507.
- the parking spaces 507 in FIG. 5 are illustrated as having the single charging base 506, implementations are not so limited. Rather, the parking spaces 507 may have one or more charging bases 506.
- some implementations are applicable to parking lots having one or more parking spaces, wherein at least one parking space within a parking lot may comprise a charging base.
- guidance systems may be used to assist a vehicle operator in positioning the vehicle 505 in the parking space 507 to enable the secondary coupler 504 within the vehicle 505 to be aligned with the charging base 506.
- Exemplary guidance systems may include electronic-based approaches (e.g., radio positioning, direction finding principles, and/or optical, quasi-optical and/or ultrasonic sensing methods) or mechanical-based approaches (e.g., vehicle wheel guides, tracks or stops), or any combination thereof, for assisting a vehicle operator in positioning the vehicle 505 to enable the coupler 504 within the vehicle 505 to be adequately aligned with a charging coupler within the charging base 506.
- electronic-based approaches e.g., radio positioning, direction finding principles, and/or optical, quasi-optical and/or ultrasonic sensing methods
- mechanical-based approaches e.g., vehicle wheel guides, tracks or stops
- FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified circuit diagram of a wireless power transfer system 600 based on a series resonant inductive link, in accordance with some implementations.
- a power supply 620 may provide a voltage V SOURCE for driving a current I SOURCE to a primary power conversion module 612.
- the primary power conversion module 612 may be configured to convert the voltage V SOURCE into an AC voltage V 1 driving a primary current I 1 .
- the output of the primary power conversion module 612 may be applied to a series-connected capacitor 602 and primary coupler 614 (represented e.g., by inductor L1).
- An equivalent resistance R eq, 1 connected in series with the capacitor 602 and the primary coupler 614 represents the losses inherent to at least the coupler 614 and the capacitor 602.
- the wireless power transfer system 600 may further include, on a vehicle side, a series-connected capacitor 606 and secondary coupler 618 (represented e.g., by inductor L2) and an equivalent resistance R eq ,2 , which represents the losses inherent to at least the coupler 618 and the capacitor 606.
- the couplers 614 and 618 (represented e.g., by inductors L1 and L2) may be separated by a distance d and may have a mutual coupling coefficient k(d) that is a function of the distance d.
- the primary current I 1 flowing through the primary coupler 614 generates a magnetic field, which may induce a voltage in the secondary coupler 618.
- the secondary power conversion module 616 may convert the AC voltage V 2 into a DC load voltage V BAT driving a DC load current I BAT into a load 622 (e.g., a battery).
- both the power source 620 and the load 622 are assumed constant voltage with voltages V SOURCE and V BAT respectively, reflecting the characteristics of the power grid and the vehicle battery, respectively. Constant voltage shall be understood in the sense of a virtually zero source resistance and zero load resistance, respectively.
- the circuit diagram of FIG. 6 as well as the following description assumes energy transfer from the primary side power supply 620 to the vehicle-side load or battery 622. However, this does not exclude energy transfer in the reverse direction, for example, for purposes of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy transfer, provided that power conversion supports reverse power flow (bidirectional, four quadrant control).
- Vehicle-side power conversion performs reverse operation reconverting AC power received by secondary coupler 618 back to DC power.
- an optimum coupler inductance for maximizing efficiency may be calculated as: L opt ⁇ R L , 0 ⁇ 0 k d given coupling coefficient k ( d ), angular operating frequency ⁇ 0 , and load resistance R L as presented by secondary power conversion at fundamental frequency.
- varying coupler inductance should be avoided as, in general, it will involve complex switching circuitry or mechanical gear, additional losses and non-optimum use of coupler volume and, thus, reduction of the quality factor of the system, as well as variable capacitance to maintain resonance, thus adding to complexity.
- the use of an additional coupler matching network acting as a transformer may have similar drawbacks.
- a less complex and more economical solution may be achieved by using power conversion to provide the required variable transformation ratio.
- Changing primary-side transformation ratio n 1 is equivalent to power control since it will largely affect energy transfer rate across the link.
- Changing secondary-side transformation ratio n 2 accordingly will ensure that the wireless power link is operated efficiently. It may be called load adaptation.
- One method to coarsely change transformation ratio that may involve low losses is to change the operational mode of a bridge within the primary power conversion module 612 and/or the secondary power conversion module 616 (e.g., from full-bridge mode to half-bridge mode or vice versa). This method is further described herein below.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system 700, further illustrating adaptable power conversion reconfigurable as a full-bridge power conversion and as a half-bridge power conversion, in accordance with some implementations.
- the primary power conversion module 612 may further comprise switches S 11 , S 12 , S 11 , and S 12' , which may represent FET or IGBT solid state devices.
- the secondary power conversion module 616 may further comprise switches S 22 , S 21 , S 22' and S 21' , which may also represent FET or IGBT solid state devices.
- a half-bridge mode e.g., only S 11 and S 11' are toggling, and S 12 , and S 12 are static.
- S 11 is closed S 11' is open and vice versa.
- S 12 may be closed.
- the corresponding currents are transformed by the reciprocal ratio.
- a DC voltage driven inverter is most suitable in conjunction with a series tuned primary whilst a DC current source driven inverter is most suitable in conjunction with a parallel tuned primary.
- a rectifier with a DC voltage load is most suitable in conjunction with a series tuned secondary whilst a rectifier with a DC current load is most suitable in conjunction with a parallel tuned secondary.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the wireless power transfer system 700 of FIG. 7 in a half-bridge configuration 800 (configuration A), in accordance with some implementations.
- Configuration A may preferably be used in looser coupling conditions, and/or when battery load resistance is relatively high. A relatively high battery load resistance may result at lower charge power levels or when battery voltage is high.
- switch S 12 within the primary power conversion module 612 e.g., inverter
- switch S 12' remains closed while switches S 11 and S 11 , inversely alternate opening and closing.
- switch S 21 within the secondary power conversion module 616 e.g., rectifier
- switch S 21' remains closed while switches S 22 and S 22' inversely alternate opening and closing.
- FIG. 9 illustrates the wireless power transfer system 700 of FIG. 7 in a full-bridge configuration 900 (configuration B), in accordance with some implementations.
- Configuration B may preferably be used in tighter coupling conditions, and/or when battery load resistance is relatively low. A relatively low battery load resistance may result at higher charge power levels or when battery voltage is low.
- each of switches S 11 , S 11' , S 12 and S 12' within the primary power conversion module 612 e.g., inverter
- switches S 11 , S 11' , S 12 and S 12' within the primary power conversion module 612 alternate between open and closed states such that when S 11 is open S 11 , is closed and vice versa, when S 12 is open S 12' is closed and vice versa, and when S 11 , is closed, S 12 is also closed and vice versa.
- each of switches S 21 , S 21' , S 22 and S 22' within the secondary power conversion module 616 alternate between open and closed states such that when S 21 is open S 21' is closed and vice versa, when S 22 is open S 22' is closed and vice versa, and when S 21' is closed, S 22 is also closed and vice versa.
- an adaptive system and a method to transfer energy from a voltage source to a voltage load is disclosed, where the system is adaptable to operate at or as near as possible to a maximum efficiency (e.g., at a non-maximum efficiency), while also operating within defined system operating limitations (e.g., optimally exploiting a regulatory electromagnetic field strength limit, a duty cycle limit for one or both of a primary side inverter and a secondary side AC-switched rectifier, a desired wireless power output, a current limit and/or a voltage limit for one or both of the primary side and the secondary side).
- a regulatory electromagnetic field strength limit e.g., a duty cycle limit for one or both of a primary side inverter and a secondary side AC-switched rectifier, a desired wireless power output, a current limit and/or a voltage limit for one or both of the primary side and the secondary side.
- Such an adaptive system can be optimally operated in looser coupling conditions with a lower power level or in tighter coupling conditions with a higher power level by selecting a mode of operation of transmit and receive side power conversion to either half-bridge mode or full-bridge mode, respectively.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system 1000 having an adaptable and reconfigurable rectifier bridge in secondary power conversion, in accordance with some implementations.
- the wireless power transfer system 1000 shown in FIG. 10 may comprise a primary power converter 1012 with a half bridge inverter and secondary power converter 1016 with a reconfigurable active (e.g. AC-switched) rectifier, similar to that previously described in connection with FIGs. 7-9 .
- the rectifier bridge may be configured to operate according to the half-bridge and full-bridge operating modes in order to coarsely adapt transformation ratio n 2 :1, as will also be described in more detail below.
- Such an implementation may be the result of a cost/complexity vs. performance trade-off.
- a primary subsystem may comprise a power source 1020 providing a voltage V SOURCE driving a current I SOURCE into the primary power converter 1012.
- the primary power converter 1012 may comprise a half bridge inverter.
- the primary power converter 1012 may output an AC voltage V 1 driving an AC current I 1 through a series-connected (e.g., series tuned) capacitor 1002 and a coupler 1014 (represented by an inductor).
- "essentially series tuned” may refer to a system in which the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler (e.g., inductor utilized to generate the magnetic field for wirelessly transferring power) is connected in series to the inductor. There may be other additional tuning and matching components connected in series or parallel.
- "essentially parallel tuned” may refer to a system in which the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler (e.g., inductor utilized to generate the magnetic field for wirelessly transferring power) is connected in parallel to the inductor. There may be other additional tuning and matching components connected in series or parallel.
- the primary power converter 1012 may be controlled or driven by a PWM signal PWM 1 provided by a primary controller 1030 comprising a primary PWM generator 1032.
- the primary PWM generator 1032 may generate the PWM 1 signal based on a first duty cycle control signal (D 1 ) communicated to the primary PWM generator 1032 from a secondary subsystem via a communication link.
- the primary controller 1030 may be a slave controller configured to control the output voltage V 1 by controlling the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM 1 , based on of the first duty cycle control signal D 1 , via the wireless communication link with the secondary subsystem.
- the primary subsystem may further comprise means for communicating with the secondary subsystem (not shown in FIG. 10 ).
- the primary subsystem may further include a current sensor 1034 for measuring, detecting or determining the primary current I 1 circulating through the series-connected capacitor 1002 and coupler 1014.
- the primary subsystem may communicate an indication of the sensed current I 1 to the secondary subsystem via a wireless communication link.
- the primary controller may also be configured to vary the DC link voltage if the primary power converter 1012 comprises e.g., a cascade of an AC-to-DC converter (e.g., a rectifier and a power factor correction stage (PFC)) and a DC-to-AC converter (e.g., an inverter) (not shown in detail in Fig. 10 ).
- PFC power factor correction stage
- DC-to-AC converter e.g., an inverter
- the input-to-output voltage transformation ratio of the primary power converter 1012 may be about 1:n 1 or n 1 :1 if operated in the FB-mode and about 1:(n 1 /2) or (n 1 /2):1 if operated in the HB-mode, depending on the topology of a secondary power converter 1016 in the secondary subsystem.
- the secondary subsystem (e.g., the vehicle-side of the wireless power transfer system 1000) may comprise a series-connected (e.g., series-tuned) capacitor 1006 and coupler 1018 (represented by an inductor) connected to a secondary power converter 1016 including an actively switched (e.g. AC-switched) rectifier, as previously described in connection with FIGs. 7-9 .
- the secondary power converter 1016 may be configured to receive a secondary current I 2 driven by the voltage (not shown in Fig. 10 ) that is induced into the secondary coupler 1018 and output a DC voltage V bat driving DC current I bat into the vehicle battery 1022.
- the secondary subsystem may further comprise a secondary controller 1042 configured to receive at least the indication of the sensed current I 1 from the primary subsystem via the communication link, an indication of the secondary current I 2 , an indication of the DC current I bat , and an indication of the DC voltage V bat from within the secondary subsystem.
- the secondary subsystem may further comprise means for communicating with the primary subsystem, a current sensor 1036 for measuring, detecting or determining the current I 2 , a current sensor 1038 for measuring, detecting or determining the current I bat , and a voltage sensor 1040 for measuring, detecting or determining the voltage V bat .
- the secondary controller 1042 may be a master controller for both the primary and secondary subsystems, and may include a secondary PWM generator 1052, a target DC output current computer 1044, a secondary PWM duty cycle controller 1048, a primary PWM duty cycle controller 1062, and a bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054.
- the secondary controller 1042 may control the secondary power converter 1016 by controlling a duty cycle of the PWM waveforms PWM 2,HB1 and PWM 2,HB2 , generated by the secondary PWM generator 1052 for driving each half-bridge of the secondary power converter 1016 separately, as well as controlling the operational mode (e.g., HB or FB mode) of the secondary controller 1042.
- the operational mode e.g., HB or FB mode
- the secondary PWM generator 1052 in HB-mode, the secondary PWM generator 1052 generates only the PWM 2,HB1 waveform, while the PWM 2,HB2 waveform remains static (e.g., holding the switches in the second half bridge in respective static open/closed states).
- the secondary PWM generator 1052 In the FB-mode, the secondary PWM generator 1052 generates the PWM 2,HB1 waveform and the PWM 2,HB2 waveform.
- the secondary controller 1042 may further comprise a synchronizer 1056 that receives an indication of the current I 2 from the current sensor 1036 and outputs a synchronizing signal to the secondary PWM generator 1052.
- the secondary PWM duty cycle controller 1048 may then adjust its control output D 2 based on the value of ⁇ I bat , in order to minimize the value of ⁇ I bat .
- the control output D 2 of the controller 1048 is fed into the secondary PWM generator 1052, which uses it to adjust the duty cycle of the signals PWM 2,HB1 and PWM 2,HB2 in accordance with the value D 2 .
- the value of k i corresponds to a load resistance R L appearing at the input of the secondary power converter 1016 that is largely based on whether the secondary power converter 1016 is operating in the FB mode or in the HB mode.
- the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 may be configured to receive the control output D 2 of the secondary PWM duty cycle controller 1048 and the control output D 1 of the primary PWM duty cycle controller 1062 and to output the coefficient k i .
- a multiplier 1058 receives, as inputs, the coefficient k i from the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 and the indication of the primary current I 1 from the primary subsystem via the communication link, and outputs the result to a summer 1060.
- the summer 1060 receives, as inputs, the indication of the current I 2 from the current sensor 1036 and the output from the multiplier 1058, and outputs an indication of ⁇ I 21 to the primary PWM duty cycle controller 1062 according to Equation 15.
- the primary PWM duty cycle controller 1062 may then adjust its control output D 1 based on the value of ⁇ I 21 , in order to minimize the value of ⁇ I 21 .
- the control output D 1 of the controller 1062 is sent to the primary PWM generator 1032 via the communications link and used to adjust the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM 1 in accordance with the value D 1 .
- the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 may determine whether the values D 1 and/or D 2 (corresponding to duty cycles of PWM 1 and/or PWM 2 , respectively) have exceeded any associated lower or upper limits. If either of the values D 1 or D 2 have exceeded the associated lower or upper limits, the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 may adjust a control output to the secondary PWM generator 1052, which instructs the secondary PWM generator 1052 to shift from the FB mode to the HB mode, or vice versa.
- the upper limits for the duty cycles may be defined by the maximum duty cycle (e.g., 50%) and the lower limits for the duty cycles may be defined by system design aspects such as switching losses and/or peak current limitations of the switches within either of the primary power converter 1012 and the secondary power converter 1016.
- the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 is configured to ultimately select the FB or HB mode for utilization by the secondary power converter 1016 and to select the coefficient k i for the comparison of the primary current I 1 and the secondary current I 2 .
- the input-to-output voltage transformation ratio of the secondary power converter 1016 may be 1:n 2 or n 2 :1 if operated in the FB-mode and about 1:(n 2 /2) or (n 2 /2):1 if operated in the HB-mode, depending on the topology of a secondary power converter 1016.
- the secondary controller 1042 is configured to deliver the target output power P out_target as requested by the battery management system (not shown) at as close as possible to the maximum efficiency as calculated based on measured or estimated power losses and given the limitations and constraints of the wireless power transfer system.
- the secondary controller 1042 accomplishes this outcome by adjusting the primary power converter output voltage V 1 (by adjusting the duty cycle of the PWM 1 signal) and by adjusting the load resistance R L presented at the input of the secondary power converter 1016 (by adjusting the duty cycle of the of the PWM 2,HB1 and PWM 2,HB2 signals, and by selection of the FB or HB mode of the secondary power converter 1016).
- means for adjusting an input resistance of a rectifier (or means for rectifying) to a first value may comprise one or more components of the secondary controller 1042.
- means for adjusting an input resistance of a rectifier (or means for rectifying) to a second value may comprise one or more components of the secondary controller 1042.
- resonant IPT theory shows that wireless power transfer efficiency reaches a maximum when R L is equal to an optimum load resistance R L,opt .
- the efficiency vs. R L function shows a broad maximum area, indicating a low sensitivity of efficiency on the choice of R L . Therefore, in practice, a system that operates with R L near or substantially at R L,opt may be considered optimum in terms of efficiency.
- a series-tuned IPT system such as that shown for any of FIGs.
- R 1 and R 2 denote the primary and secondary total loss resistance, respectively
- M k L 1 L 2 the mutual inductance determined by coupling coefficient k, primary and secondary coupler inductances L 1 and L 2 , and ⁇ the angular (resonant) frequency.
- Loss resistances R 1 and R 2 may include losses of both IPT coupler and power conversion.
- adjusting the wireless power transfer system 1000 to the optimum load resistance R L,opt requires knowledge or an estimate of R 1 and R 2 , as well as of the mutual inductance M (e.g., the coupling coefficient k ) as determined by the air gap and misalignment of the secondary coupler 1018 relative to the primary coupler 1014.
- the load resistance R L may be adjusted to a new R L,opt .
- estimates of loss resistances R 1 and R 2 may be used. These estimates may be system specific and may have been determined by the system vendor or supplier, or they may have been determined by some other procedure.
- the mutual inductance is easier to determine and may be measured, e.g., during a system initialization procedure.
- Equation 19 may also be interpreted as a balance in the loss of power dissipated in the primary subsystem and in the secondary subsystem. If losses are small relative to the transferred power, achieving loss balance is nearly equivalent to achieving maximum efficiency.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a state diagram 1100 for operating a wireless power transfer system, in accordance with some implementations.
- the state diagram 1100 may begin in an idle state 1102.
- the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 of FIG. 10 may instruct the secondary PWM generator 1052 to operate the secondary power converter 1016 in a half bridge mode 1106, where the system ramps up the secondary current I 2 to a predefined (e.g., constant) value, which may be reached in any operating condition.
- a predefined e.g., constant
- the system may adjust the currents I 2 and I 1 by varying the duty cycles of the PWM 1 and PWM 2,HB1/HB2 (via the primary duty cycle controller 1062 and the secondary duty cycle controller 1048) to meet the target output power P out_target and a first current ratio k; that is an optimum current ratio k i,opt , which acts to adjust the load resistance R L , presented at the input of the secondary power converter 1016 of FIG. 10 , to R L,opt shown at state 1110 .
- the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 within the secondary subsystem may signal the secondary PWM generator 1052 to transition the secondary power converter 1016 to FB mode at state 1112. Once in the FB mode, the system again adjusts the currents I 2 and I 1 to meet the target output power P out_target and a second current ratio k i .
- This second current ratio k may be a non-optimum current ratio, however, being as close as possible to k i,opt , which acts to adjust R L to a non-optimum load resistance that is as close as possible to R L,opt .
- this non-optimum load resistance is larger than R L,opt .
- this non-optimum load resistance is smaller than R L,opt .
- the bridge mode and current ratio controller 1054 within the secondary subsystem may signal the secondary PWM generator 1052 to transition the secondary power converter 1016 back to the HB mode, shifting to state 1110.
- the system may transition back to the idle state 1102 from any state if a "system stop" request is received by the system.
- bridge reconfiguration is performed in the primary power converter 1012 (e.g., inverter) rather than in the secondary power converter 1016 (e.g., rectifier), and the secondary power converter 1016 may be fixed to either a half bridge or a full bridge mode, but actively switching.
- the secondary controller 1042 adjusts the duty cycle of PWM 2 , HB1/HB2 to meet the target output power P out_target and to achieve the optimal load resistance R L,opt , if the primary power converter 1012 is currently operating in the HB mode.
- the primary power converter 1012 may transition to the FB mode.
- the secondary subsystem maintains the duty cycle D 2 at D 2,max , which acts to maintain or adjust the load resistance R L at a non-optimal load resistance that is as close as possible to R L,opt .
- bridge reconfiguration may be performed in the primary power converter 1012 (e.g., inverter) and in the secondary power converter 1016 (e.g., rectifier).
- the secondary controller 1042 adjusts the duty cycle D 2 to meet the target output power P out_target and to achieve the optimal load resistance R L,opt , if the primary power converter 1012 and the secondary power converter 1016 are both currently operating in the HB mode.
- the primary power converter 1012 and the secondary power converter 1016 may both transition to the FB mode.
- the secondary power converter 1016 being in the FB mode may present the load resistance R L at a non-optimal load resistance that is as close as possible to R L,out .
- control strategies may be considered optimum with respect to 1) primary and secondary side pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle limitations (e.g., switching losses), 2) dealing with worst case and best case coupling conditions, and 3) avoiding resonance bifurcation (e.g., splitting of the resonance response into two peaks), which may cause beat frequency issues e.g., as perceived by a ringing of the power transfer signal with a beat frequency equal to the difference in frequency between these two peaks.
- PWM pulse width modulation
- These distinct resonances may be excited concurrently e.g. in a controlled system, where adjustments of some parameters are performed in steps.
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 of a method for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter, in accordance with some implementations.
- the flowchart 1200 includes operation block 1202, which includes adjusting an input resistance of an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in a first bridge mode, the rectifier configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the method further includes operation block 1204, which includes adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
- the method further includes operation block 1206, which includes receiving the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter.
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart 1300 of a method for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver, in accordance with some implementations.
- the flowchart 1300 includes operation block 1302, which includes adjusting an input resistance of a rectifieroperably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when an inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the method further includes operation block 1304, which includes adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode.
- the method further includes operation block 1306, which includes wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver.
- the first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is greater than the first value if the coupler is essentially series tuned.
- the first bridge mode may be a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is less than the first value if the coupler is essentially parallel tuned.
- the method may further comprise adjusting a switching duty cycle of the inverter based on a current output by the inverter and a predetermined ratio between the current output by the inverter and a current in the wireless power receiver.
- the method may further comprise selecting one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of the inverter and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- the method may further comprise selecting one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power receiver and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- the first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the rectifier has the first value and the inverter is operating in the first bridge mode.
- the method may further comprise adjusting a ratio between a current circulating in the apparatus and a current circulating in the wireless power receiver in order to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier.
- some implementations include an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver.
- the apparatus comprises an inverter operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, and adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode.
- the first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is greater than the first value if the coupler is essentially series tuned.
- the first bridge mode is a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is less than the first value if the coupler is essentially parallel tuned.
- the controller is configured to adjust a switching duty cycle of the inverter based on a current in the apparatus and a predetermined ratio between the current in the apparatus and a current in the wireless power receiver.
- the controller is configured to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of the inverter and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- the controller is configured to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power receiver and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- the first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the inverter has the first value and the inverter is operating in the first bridge mode.
- the controller is configured to adjust a ratio between a current circulating in the apparatus and a current circulating in the wireless power receiver in order to adjust the input resistance of the inverter.
- Some other implementations comprise a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes a wireless power transmitter to adjust an input resistance of a rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver.
- the first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is greater than the first value if the coupler is essentially series tuned.
- the first bridge mode is a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the rectifier is less than the first value if the coupler is essentially parallel tuned.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust a switching duty cycle of the inverter based on a current output by the inverter and a predetermined ratio between the current output by the inverter and a current in the wireless power receiver.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of the inverter and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power receiver and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- the first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the rectifier has the first value and the rectifier is operating in the first bridge mode.
- the code when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust a ratio between a current circulating in the wireless power transmitter and a current circulating in the wireless power receiver in order to adjust the input resistance of the inverter.
- DSP Digital Signal Processor
- ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
- FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
- a general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.
- a processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
- a software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.
- An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium.
- the storage medium may be integral to the processor.
- the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.
- the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium.
- Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another.
- a storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer.
- such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.
- any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.
- the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave
- the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium.
- Disk and disc includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Description
- The present application relates generally to wireless power transfer, and more specifically to systems, apparatus and methods for adaptive wireless power transfer.
- Remote systems such as vehicles have been introduced that include locomotion power from electricity and batteries to provide that electricity. Hybrid electric vehicles include on-board chargers that use power from vehicle braking and traditional motors to charge the vehicles. Vehicles that are solely electric must receive the electricity for charging the batteries from other sources. These electric vehicles are conventionally proposed to be charged through some type of wired alternating current (AC) such as household or commercial AC supply sources.
- Efficiency is of importance in a wireless power transfer system due to the losses occurring in the course of wireless transmission of power. Since wireless power transmission is often less efficient than wired transfer, efficiency is of an even greater concern in a wireless power transfer environment. As a result, systems, apparatus and methods for adaptive wireless power transfer are desirable.
US2013033118 discloses a tunable wireless power transfer system wherein a switching rectifier (i.e. an active rectifier) is adjusted in order to provide constant and efficient power transfer. - In some implementations, an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter is provided. The apparatus comprises an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in the first bridge mode. The controller is further configured to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
- In some other implementations, a method for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter is provided. The method comprises adjusting an input resistance of an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in a first bridge mode, the rectifier configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The method comprises adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode. The method comprises receiving the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter.
- In yet other implementations a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The medium comprises code that, when executed, causes an apparatus configured to wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter to adjust an input resistance of an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in a first bridge mode, the rectifier configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The code, when executed, causes an apparatus to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode. The code, when executed, causes an apparatus to receive the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter.
- In yet other implementations an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter is provided. The apparatus comprises means for rectifying an input from a coupler configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The apparatus comprises means for adjusting an input resistance of the means for rectifying to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the means for rectifying operates in the first bridge mode. The apparatus comprises means for adjusting an input resistance of the means for rectifying to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
- In yet other implementations, an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver is provided. The apparatus comprises an inverter operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode. The controller is configured to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode.
- In yet other implementations, a method for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver is provided. The method comprises adjusting an input resistance of a rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The method comprises adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode. The method comprises wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver.
- In yet other implementations, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The medium comprises code that, when executed, causes a wireless power transmitter to adjust an input resistance of a rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transfer system for wireless charging enabled remote systems such as a vehicle while the vehicle is parked near a wireless charging base (CB), in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a wireless power transfer system for a vehicle, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a wireless power transfer system for a vehicle illustrating communication links, guidance links, and alignment systems for the primary coupler and the secondary coupler, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a frequency spectrum showing various frequencies that may be available for wireless charging of vehicles, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a parking lot comprising a plurality of parking spaces and a charging base positioned within each parking space, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified circuit diagram of a wireless power transfer system based on a series resonant inductive link, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system, further illustrating adaptable power conversion reconfigurable as a full-bridge power conversion and as a half-bridge power conversion, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 8 illustrates the wireless power transfer system ofFIG. 7 in a half-bridge configuration (configuration A), in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the wireless power transfer system ofFIG. 7 in a full-bridge configuration (configuration B), in accordance with some implementations.FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system having an adaptable and reconfigurable rectifier bridge in secondary power conversion, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a state diagram for operating a wireless power transfer system, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter, in accordance with some implementations. -
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver, in accordance with some implementations. - The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of some implementations and is not intended to represent the only implementations in which the present application can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the some implementations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the novelty of the some implementations presented herein.
- The term "wireless power" is used herein to mean any form of energy associated with electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetic fields, or otherwise that is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver without the use of physical electromagnetic conductors.
- Moreover, the term "wireless charging" is used herein to mean providing wireless power to one or more electrochemical cells or systems including electrochemical cells for the purpose of recharging the electrochemical cells.
- The term "battery electric vehicle" (vehicle) is used herein to mean a remote system, and example of which is a vehicle that includes, as part of its locomotion abilities, electrical power derived from one or more rechargeable electrochemical cells. As non-limiting examples, some vehicles may be hybrid electric vehicles that include on-board chargers that use power from vehicle deceleration and traditional motors to charge the vehicles, other vehicles may draw all locomotion ability from electrical power. Other "remote systems" are contemplated including electronic devices and the like. Various terms and acronyms are used herein including, but not limited to, the following:
- AC
- Alternating Current
- Vehicle
- Battery Electric Vehicle
- CB
- Charging Base
- DC
- Direct Current
- EV
- Electric Vehicle
- FB
- Full Bridge
- FDX
- Full Duplex
- FET
- Field Effect Transistor
- G2V
- Grid-to-Vehicle
- HB
- Half Bridge
- HDX
- Half Duplex
- IGBT
- Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor
- IPT
- Inductive Power Transfer
- ISM
- Industrial Scientific and Medical
- LF
- Low Frequency
- PWM
- Pulse Width Modulation
- r.m.s.
- Root Mean Square
- VLF
- Very Low Frequency
- V2G
- Vehicle-to-Grid
- ZSC
- Zero Current Switching
- By way of example and not limitation, a remote system is described herein in the form of an electric vehicle (vehicle). Other examples of remote systems are also contemplated including various electronic devices and the like capable of receiving and transferring wireless power.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a wirelesspower transfer system 100 for wireless charging enabled remote systems such as avehicle 102 while thevehicle 102 is parked near a wireless charging base (CB) 104, in accordance with some implementations. Thevehicle 102 is illustrated in aparking area 106 and parked over theCB 104. Alocal distribution center 108 is connected to apower backbone 110 and is configured to provide an Alternating Current (AC) or a Direct Current (DC)supply 120 to charging basepower conversion system 112 as part of theCB 104. TheCB 104 also includes a primary coupler 114 for generating a magnetic near-field or picking-up energy from a magnetic near-field by a secondary coupler. Thevehicle 102 includes a battery (not individually shown inFIG. 1 ), a secondary power conversion andpower transfer system 116, and asecondary coupler 118 configured to interact with the primary coupler 114. - In some implementations the
secondary coupler 118 may be aligned with the primary coupler 114 and, therefore, disposed within the near-field region of the primary coupler 114 simply by the driver positioning thevehicle 102 correctly relative to the primary coupler 114. In other some implementations, the driver may be given visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile feedback or combinations thereof to determine when the vehicle is properly placed for wireless power transfer. In yet other some implementations, thevehicle 102 may be positioned by an autopilot system, which may move thevehicle 102 back and forth (e.g., in zig-zag movements) until an alignment error has reached a tolerable value. This may be performed automatically and autonomously by thevehicle 102 without or with only minimal driver intervention provided that thevehicle 102 is equipped with a servo steering wheel, ultrasonic sensors all around and artificial intelligence. - The
CB 104 may be located in a variety of locations. As non-limiting examples, some suitable locations are a parking area at a home of the vehicle owner, parking areas reserved for vehicle wireless charging modeled after conventional petroleum-based filling stations, and parking lots at other locations such as shopping centers or places of employment. - As a further explanation of a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, the wireless power transmit and receive capabilities can be configured as reciprocal such that the
CB 104 transfers power to thevehicle 102 and thevehicle 102 transfers power to theCB 104. This capability may be useful for power distribution stability by allowing thevehicle 102 to contribute power to the overall distribution system in a similar fashion to how solar-cell power systems may be connected to the power grid and supply excess power to the power grid. -
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a wirelesspower transfer system 200 for a vehicle, in accordance with some implementations. InFIG. 2 , aconventional power supply 220, which may be AC or DC, supplies power to the primarypower conversion module 212, assuming energy transfer towards the vehicle. The primarypower conversion module 212 drives theprimary coupler 214 to emit a desired frequency signal. If theprimary coupler 214 and thesecondary coupler 218 are tuned to substantially the same frequencies and thesecondary coupler 218 is within the near-field of theprimary coupler 214, thesecondary coupler 218 may couple with theprimary coupler 214 such that power may be transferred to thesecondary coupler 218 and extracted in the secondarypower conversion module 216. The secondarypower conversion module 216 may then charge thevehicle battery 222. Thepower supply 220, the primarypower conversion module 212, and theprimary coupler 214 make up theinfrastructure part 230 of an overall wirelesspower transfer system 200, which may be stationary and located at a variety of locations as discussed above. Thevehicle battery 222, the secondarypower conversion module 216, and thesecondary coupler 218 make up awireless power subsystem 240 that is part of the vehicle or part of the battery pack. - In operation, assuming energy transfer towards the vehicle or battery, input power is provided from the
power supply 220 such that theprimary coupler 214 generates a radiated field for providing energy transfer. Thesecondary coupler 218 couples to the radiated field and generates output power for storing or consumption by the vehicle. In some implementations, theprimary coupler 214 and thesecondary coupler 218 are configured according to a mutual resonant relationship and when the resonant frequency of thesecondary coupler 218 and the resonant frequency of theprimary coupler 214 are very close and located in the near-field of theprimary coupler 214, transmission losses between the CB and vehicle wireless power subsystems are minimal. - As stated, an efficient energy transfer occurs by coupling a large portion of the energy in the near-field of the
primary coupler 214 to thesecondary coupler 218 rather than propagating most of the energy in an electromagnetic wave to the far-field. When in the near-field, a coupling mode may be developed between theprimary coupler 214 and thesecondary coupler 218. The area around the couplers where the near-field coupling may occur is referred to herein as a "near-field coupling-mode region". - The primary
power conversion module 212 and the secondarypower conversion module 216 may both include an oscillator, a power amplifier, a filter, and a matching circuit (not shown) for efficient coupling via thecouplers power conversion module 212 to thewireless power coupler 214. The primarypower conversion module 212 and secondarypower conversion module 216 may each also include a rectifier and switching circuitry (not shown) to generate a suitable power output to charge thebattery 222. - Primary and secondary couplers used in some implementations may be configured as "loop" antennas, and more specifically, multi-turn loop antennas, which may also be referred to herein as "magnetic" couplers. Loop (e.g., multi-turn loop) antennas may be configured to include an air core or a physical core such as a ferrite core. An air core loop antenna may allow the placement of other components within the core area. Physical core antennas including ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic materials may allow development of a stronger electromagnetic field and improved coupling.
- Efficient transfer of energy between a transmitter and receiver occurs during matched or nearly matched resonance between a transmitter and a receiver. However, even when resonance between a transmitter and receiver are not matched, energy may be transferred at a lower efficiency. Transfer of energy occurs by coupling energy from the near-field of the primary coupler to the secondary coupler residing in the area where this near-field is established rather than propagating the energy from the primary coupler into free space.
- The resonant frequency of the loop antennas is based on the inductance and capacitance of the loop antennas. Inductance in a loop antenna is generally simply the inductance created by the loop, whereas, capacitance is generally added to the loop antenna's inductance to create a resonant structure at a desired resonant frequency. As a non-limiting example, a capacitor may be added in series with the antenna to create a resonant circuit that generates a magnetic field. Accordingly, for larger diameter loop antennas, the size of capacitance needed to induce resonance decreases as the diameter or inductance of the loop increases. It is further noted that inductance may also depend on a number of turns of a loop antenna. Furthermore, as the diameter of the loop antenna increases, the efficient energy transfer area of the near-field increases. Of course, other resonant circuits are possible. As another non-limiting example, a capacitor may be placed in parallel between the two terminals of the loop antenna (i.e., a parallel resonant circuit).
- Some implementations include coupling power between two couplers that are in the near-fields of each other. As stated, the near-field is an area around the coupler in which electromagnetic fields exist but may not propagate or radiate away from the coupler. Near-field coupling-mode regions are typically confined to a volume that is near the physical volume of the coupler e.g. within a radius of one sixth of the wavelength. In some implementations, magnetic type couplers such as single and multi-turn loop antennas may be used for both transmitting and receiving power since magnetic near-field amplitudes in practical implementations tend to be higher for magnetic type couplers in comparison to the electric near-fields of an electric-type antenna (e.g., a small dipole). This allows for potentially higher coupling between the pair of couplers. Another reason for relying on a substantially magnetic field is its low interaction with non-conductive dielectric materials in the environment. Electric antennas for wireless high power transmission may involve extremely high voltages. Furthermore, "electric" antennas (e.g., dipoles and monopoles) or a combination of magnetic and electric antennas are also contemplated.
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FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a wirelesspower transfer system 300 for a vehicle illustratingcommunication links 334, guidance links 336, andalignment systems 350 for aprimary coupler 314 and asecondary coupler 318, in accordance with some implementations. As with the some implementations ofFIG. 2 and assuming energy flow towards the vehicle, inFIG. 3 the primarypower conversion unit 312 receives AC or DC power from theprimary power interface 320 and excites theprimary coupler 314 at or near its resonant frequency. Thesecondary coupler 318, when in the near-field coupling-mode region of theprimary coupler 314, receives energy from the near-field coupling-mode region to oscillate at or near the resonant frequency. The secondarypower conversion unit 316 converts the oscillating signal from thesecondary coupler 318 to a power signal suitable for charging the battery. - The
system 300 may also include aprimary communication unit 326 and asecondary communication unit 344, respectively. Theprimary communication unit 326 may include a communication interface to other systems (not shown) such as, for example, a computer, and a power distribution center. Thesecondary communication unit 344 may include acommunication interface 346 to other systems such as, for example, an on-board computer on the vehicle, other battery charging controller, other electronic systems within the vehicles, and remote electronic systems. - The primary 326 and secondary 344 communication units may include subsystems or functions for specific application with separate communication channels therefore. These communications channels may be separate physical channels or just separate logical channels. As non-limiting examples, a
primary alignment unit 332 may communicate with asecondary alignment unit 342 to provide a feedback mechanism for more closely aligning theprimary coupler 314 andsecondary coupler 318, either autonomously or with operator assistance. Similarly, aprimary guide unit 330 may communicate with asecondary guide unit 340 to provide a feedback mechanism to guide an operator in aligning theprimary coupler 314 and thesecondary coupler 318. In addition, there may be a separate general-purpose communication channel 334 supported by theprimary communication unit 328 and thesecondary communication unit 338 for communicating other information between the primary and the vehicle. This information may include information about EV characteristics, battery characteristics, charging status, and power capabilities of the primary side and the vehicle, as well as maintenance and diagnostic data. These communication channels may be separate physical communication channels such as, for example, Bluetooth, zigbee, cellular, etc. - In addition, some communication may be performed via the wireless power link without using specific communications antennas. In other words, in some implementations, the wireless power coupler may also operate as a communications antenna. Thus, some implementations of the primary side may include a controller (not shown) for enabling keying-type protocols onto the wireless power path. By keying the transmit power level (e.g., Amplitude Shift Keying) at predefined intervals with a predefined protocol, the receiver of a communication can detect a serial communication from the transmitter of that communication. The primary
power conversions module 312 may include a load sensing circuit (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of active vehicle receivers in the vicinity of the near-field generated by theprimary coupler 314. By way of example, a load sensing circuit may monitor the current flowing to a power amplifier, which is affected by the presence or absence of active receivers in the vicinity of the near-field generated by theprimary coupler 314. Detection of changes to the loading on the power amplifier may be monitored by the controller for use in determining whether to enable the oscillator for transmitting energy, to communicate with an active receiver, or a combination thereof. - Vehicle circuitry may include switching circuitry (not shown) for connecting and disconnecting the
secondary coupler 318 to the secondarypower conversion unit 316. Disconnecting thesecondary coupler 318 not only suspends charging, but also changes the "load" as "seen" by theprimary coupler 314, which can be used to "cloak" thesecondary coupler 318 from theprimary coupler 314. The load changes can be detected if theprimary coupler 314 includes the load sensing circuit. Accordingly, the primary has a mechanism for determining when secondary couplers are present in the primary coupler's near-field. -
FIG. 4 illustrates afrequency spectrum 400 showing various frequencies that may be available and suitable for wireless charging of vehicles, in accordance with some implementations. Some potential, non-limiting frequency ranges for wireless high power transfer to vehicles include: VLF in a 3 kHz to 30 kHz band, lower LF in a 30 kHz to 300 kHz band (e.g., for ISM-like applications) with some exclusions, HF 6.78 MHz (ITU-R ISM-Band 6.765 - 6.795 MHz), HF 13.56 MHz (ITU-R ISM-Band 13.553 - 13.567), and HF 27.12 MHz (ITU-R ISM-Band 26.957 - 27.283). -
FIG. 5 illustrates aparking lot 500 comprising a plurality ofparking spaces 507 and acharging base 506 positioned within eachparking space 507, in accordance with some implementations. It is noted that a "parking space" may also be referred to herein as a "parking area." To enhance the efficiency of a vehicle wireless power transfer system, avehicle 505 may be aligned along an X direction (depicted byarrow 502 inFIG. 5 ) and a Y direction (depicted byarrow 503 inFIG. 5 ) to enable a wireless powersecondary coupler 504 within thevehicle 505 to be adequately aligned with the wirelesspower charging base 506 within an associatedparking space 507. Although theparking spaces 507 inFIG. 5 are illustrated as having thesingle charging base 506, implementations are not so limited. Rather, theparking spaces 507 may have one or more charging bases 506. - Furthermore, some implementations are applicable to parking lots having one or more parking spaces, wherein at least one parking space within a parking lot may comprise a charging base. In some implementations, guidance systems (not shown) may be used to assist a vehicle operator in positioning the
vehicle 505 in theparking space 507 to enable thesecondary coupler 504 within thevehicle 505 to be aligned with the chargingbase 506. Exemplary guidance systems may include electronic-based approaches (e.g., radio positioning, direction finding principles, and/or optical, quasi-optical and/or ultrasonic sensing methods) or mechanical-based approaches (e.g., vehicle wheel guides, tracks or stops), or any combination thereof, for assisting a vehicle operator in positioning thevehicle 505 to enable thecoupler 504 within thevehicle 505 to be adequately aligned with a charging coupler within the chargingbase 506. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified circuit diagram of a wirelesspower transfer system 600 based on a series resonant inductive link, in accordance with some implementations. As shown inFIG. 6 , apower supply 620 may provide a voltage VSOURCE for driving a current ISOURCE to a primarypower conversion module 612. The primarypower conversion module 612 may be configured to convert the voltage VSOURCE into an AC voltage V1 driving a primary current I1. The output of the primarypower conversion module 612 may be applied to a series-connectedcapacitor 602 and primary coupler 614 (represented e.g., by inductor L1). An equivalent resistance R eq,1 connected in series with thecapacitor 602 and theprimary coupler 614 represents the losses inherent to at least thecoupler 614 and thecapacitor 602. - The wireless
power transfer system 600 may further include, on a vehicle side, a series-connectedcapacitor 606 and secondary coupler 618 (represented e.g., by inductor L2) and an equivalent resistance R eq,2, which represents the losses inherent to at least thecoupler 618 and thecapacitor 606. Thecouplers 614 and 618 (represented e.g., by inductors L1 and L2) may be separated by a distance d and may have a mutual coupling coefficient k(d) that is a function of the distance d. The primary current I1 flowing through theprimary coupler 614 generates a magnetic field, which may induce a voltage in thesecondary coupler 618. This may cause a secondary current I2 and an AC voltage V2 to appear at the input of a secondarypower conversion module 616. The secondarypower conversion module 616 may convert the AC voltage V2 into a DC load voltage VBAT driving a DC load current IBAT into a load 622 (e.g., a battery). - In some implementations, both the
power source 620 and the load 622 (e.g., the load or battery) are assumed constant voltage with voltages VSOURCE and VBAT respectively, reflecting the characteristics of the power grid and the vehicle battery, respectively. Constant voltage shall be understood in the sense of a virtually zero source resistance and zero load resistance, respectively. Moreover, the circuit diagram ofFIG. 6 as well as the following description assumes energy transfer from the primaryside power supply 620 to the vehicle-side load orbattery 622. However, this does not exclude energy transfer in the reverse direction, for example, for purposes of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy transfer, provided that power conversion supports reverse power flow (bidirectional, four quadrant control). - In the some implementations illustrated in
FIG. 6 , a transformation ratio 1: n 1 may be attributed to primary power conversion by the primarypower conversion module 612 and may be defined as: - Vehicle-side power conversion performs reverse operation reconverting AC power received by
secondary coupler 618 back to DC power. Correspondingly, a transformation ratio n 2 :1 is attributed to primary power conversion by the secondarypower conversion module 616, which may be defined as: - Theory shows that efficiency of an inductively coupled resonant link reaches a maximum if the resonance frequency of both the
primary coupler 614 and thesecondary coupler 618 are adjusted to the operating frequency where primary resonance frequency refers to the resonance frequency that can be determined with an open circuited secondary coupler and where secondary resonance frequency refers to the resonance frequency that can be determined with an open circuited primary coupler. This is valid for any coupling coefficient 0 < k(d) < 1. In practical implementations other tuning schemes may apply for various reasons. However these may not be optimum in a theoretical sense e.g. excluding power conversion aspects. As an example, power conversion may require the system to be operated slightly off resonance, if low loss zero current switching is targeted under all conditions. - Assuming switched-mode power conversion in both of the primary
power conversion module 612 and the secondarypower conversion module 616, with a 50% duty cycle, voltage V 1 and V 2 are both square waves. Though filtered by the effect of resonance, coupler currents I 1 and I 2 are generally non-sinusoidal with harmonics content depending on the coupling coefficient k(d). Thus, some power is transmitted via the harmonics. In most cases however, energy transfer via harmonics is negligible. - For dimensioning a symmetric coupling system (L1 = L2, and R eq,1 = Req, 1) an optimum coupler inductance for maximizing efficiency may be calculated as:
- A less complex and more economical solution may be achieved by using power conversion to provide the required variable transformation ratio. Changing primary-side transformation ratio n 1 is equivalent to power control since it will largely affect energy transfer rate across the link. Changing secondary-side transformation ratio n 2 accordingly will ensure that the wireless power link is operated efficiently. It may be called load adaptation.
- Several methods for power control and load adaptation have been proposed with some allowing for continuous change of transformation ratio, however sacrificing zero current switching (ZCS), thus leads to some increased switching loss and stress of switching devices. Other methods may maintain ZCS condition, but permit change of transformation ratio only in coarse steps.
- One method to coarsely change transformation ratio that may involve low losses is to change the operational mode of a bridge within the primary
power conversion module 612 and/or the secondary power conversion module 616 (e.g., from full-bridge mode to half-bridge mode or vice versa). This method is further described herein below. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wirelesspower transfer system 700, further illustrating adaptable power conversion reconfigurable as a full-bridge power conversion and as a half-bridge power conversion, in accordance with some implementations. As shown, the primarypower conversion module 612 may further comprise switches S11, S12, S11, and S12', which may represent FET or IGBT solid state devices. The secondarypower conversion module 616 may further comprise switches S22, S21, S22' and S21', which may also represent FET or IGBT solid state devices. - In a full-bridge (F-bridge or FB) mode or half-bridge (H-bridge or HB) mode, all switches of power conversion are toggling in a manner that S j1 and S j2' are closed at the same time. When S j1 is closed then S j2 and S j1' are open and vice versa. This applies to primary-side and secondary-side power conversion (j ∈ {1,2}).
- In a half-bridge mode, e.g., only S 11 and S 11' are toggling, and S 12, and S 12 are static. When S 11 is closed S 11' is open and vice versa. In the static half-bridge, e.g., S 12, may be closed.
- It can be shown that a full-bridge inverter switching at 50% duty cycle and driven by a DC voltage source transforms a DC input voltage level into an AC output voltage level (r.m.s.) of the fundamental by a ratio:
- Likewise, it can be shown that a full-bridge rectifier switching at 50% duty cycle and driving a DC voltage load transforms an AC voltage level (r.m.s) of the fundamental into a DC voltage level:
The corresponding currents are transformed by the reciprocal ratio. - Moreover, it can be shown that a full-bridge inverter switching at 50% duty cycle and driven by a DC current source transforms a DC input current level into an AC output current level (r.ms.) of the fundamental by a ratio:
- Likewise, it can be shown that a full-bridge rectifier switching at 50% duty cycle and driving a DC current load transforms an AC voltage level (r.m.s) of the fundamental into a DC current level:
Those skilled in the art would appreciate that a DC voltage driven inverter is most suitable in conjunction with a series tuned primary whilst a DC current source driven inverter is most suitable in conjunction with a parallel tuned primary. Correspondingly, a rectifier with a DC voltage load is most suitable in conjunction with a series tuned secondary whilst a rectifier with a DC current load is most suitable in conjunction with a parallel tuned secondary. -
FIG. 8 illustrates the wirelesspower transfer system 700 ofFIG. 7 in a half-bridge configuration 800 (configuration A), in accordance with some implementations. Configuration A may preferably be used in looser coupling conditions, and/or when battery load resistance is relatively high. A relatively high battery load resistance may result at lower charge power levels or when battery voltage is high. As shown inFIG. 8 , switch S12 within the primary power conversion module 612 (e.g., inverter) remains open, and switch S12' remains closed while switches S11 and S11, inversely alternate opening and closing. Similarly, switch S21 within the secondary power conversion module 616 (e.g., rectifier) remains open, and switch S21' remains closed while switches S22 and S22' inversely alternate opening and closing. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the wirelesspower transfer system 700 ofFIG. 7 in a full-bridge configuration 900 (configuration B), in accordance with some implementations. Configuration B may preferably be used in tighter coupling conditions, and/or when battery load resistance is relatively low. A relatively low battery load resistance may result at higher charge power levels or when battery voltage is low. As shown inFIG. 9 , each of switches S11, S11', S12 and S12' within the primary power conversion module 612 (e.g., inverter) alternate between open and closed states such that when S11 is open S11, is closed and vice versa, when S12 is open S12' is closed and vice versa, and when S11, is closed, S12 is also closed and vice versa. Similarly, each of switches S21, S21', S22 and S22' within the secondary power conversion module 616 (e.g., rectifier) alternate between open and closed states such that when S21 is open S21' is closed and vice versa, when S22 is open S22' is closed and vice versa, and when S21' is closed, S22 is also closed and vice versa. - Summarizing, an adaptive system and a method to transfer energy from a voltage source to a voltage load is disclosed, where the system is adaptable to operate at or as near as possible to a maximum efficiency (e.g., at a non-maximum efficiency), while also operating within defined system operating limitations (e.g., optimally exploiting a regulatory electromagnetic field strength limit, a duty cycle limit for one or both of a primary side inverter and a secondary side AC-switched rectifier, a desired wireless power output, a current limit and/or a voltage limit for one or both of the primary side and the secondary side). It can be shown that such an adaptive system can be optimally operated in looser coupling conditions with a lower power level or in tighter coupling conditions with a higher power level by selecting a mode of operation of transmit and receive side power conversion to either half-bridge mode or full-bridge mode, respectively.
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FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wirelesspower transfer system 1000 having an adaptable and reconfigurable rectifier bridge in secondary power conversion, in accordance with some implementations. The wirelesspower transfer system 1000 shown inFIG. 10 may comprise aprimary power converter 1012 with a half bridge inverter andsecondary power converter 1016 with a reconfigurable active (e.g. AC-switched) rectifier, similar to that previously described in connection withFIGs. 7-9 . The rectifier bridge may be configured to operate according to the half-bridge and full-bridge operating modes in order to coarsely adapt transformation ratio n2:1, as will also be described in more detail below. Such an implementation may be the result of a cost/complexity vs. performance trade-off. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , a primary subsystem (e.g., a stationary-side of the wireless power transfer system 1000) may comprise apower source 1020 providing a voltage VSOURCE driving a current ISOURCE into theprimary power converter 1012. Theprimary power converter 1012 may comprise a half bridge inverter. Theprimary power converter 1012 may output an AC voltage V1 driving an AC current I1 through a series-connected (e.g., series tuned)capacitor 1002 and a coupler 1014 (represented by an inductor). - In some implementations, reference may be made to an "essentially series tuned" system. In such implementations, "essentially series tuned" may refer to a system in which the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler (e.g., inductor utilized to generate the magnetic field for wirelessly transferring power) is connected in series to the inductor. There may be other additional tuning and matching components connected in series or parallel. Similarly, in some other implementations, reference may be made to an "essentially parallel tuned" system. In such other implementations, "essentially parallel tuned" may refer to a system in which the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler (e.g., inductor utilized to generate the magnetic field for wirelessly transferring power) is connected in parallel to the inductor. There may be other additional tuning and matching components connected in series or parallel.
- The
primary power converter 1012 may be controlled or driven by a PWM signal PWM1 provided by aprimary controller 1030 comprising aprimary PWM generator 1032. Theprimary PWM generator 1032 may generate the PWM1 signal based on a first duty cycle control signal (D1) communicated to theprimary PWM generator 1032 from a secondary subsystem via a communication link. Thus, theprimary controller 1030 may be a slave controller configured to control the output voltage V1 by controlling the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM1, based on of the first duty cycle control signal D1, via the wireless communication link with the secondary subsystem. Accordingly, the primary subsystem may further comprise means for communicating with the secondary subsystem (not shown inFIG. 10 ). - The primary subsystem may further include a
current sensor 1034 for measuring, detecting or determining the primary current I1 circulating through the series-connectedcapacitor 1002 andcoupler 1014. The primary subsystem may communicate an indication of the sensed current I1 to the secondary subsystem via a wireless communication link. In some implementations, the primary controller may also be configured to vary the DC link voltage if theprimary power converter 1012 comprises e.g., a cascade of an AC-to-DC converter (e.g., a rectifier and a power factor correction stage (PFC)) and a DC-to-AC converter (e.g., an inverter) (not shown in detail inFig. 10 ). - In some implementations, the input-to-output voltage transformation ratio of the
primary power converter 1012 may be about 1:n1 or n1:1 if operated in the FB-mode and about 1:(n1/2) or (n1/2):1 if operated in the HB-mode, depending on the topology of asecondary power converter 1016 in the secondary subsystem. In such implementations, reducing the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM1 with generally decrease the transformation factor n1 in both the FB and HB modes. - As further shown in
FIG. 10 , the secondary subsystem (e.g., the vehicle-side of the wireless power transfer system 1000) may comprise a series-connected (e.g., series-tuned)capacitor 1006 and coupler 1018 (represented by an inductor) connected to asecondary power converter 1016 including an actively switched (e.g. AC-switched) rectifier, as previously described in connection withFIGs. 7-9 . Thesecondary power converter 1016 may be configured to receive a secondary current I2 driven by the voltage (not shown inFig. 10 ) that is induced into thesecondary coupler 1018 and output a DC voltage Vbat driving DC current Ibat into the vehicle battery 1022. - The secondary subsystem may further comprise a
secondary controller 1042 configured to receive at least the indication of the sensed current I1 from the primary subsystem via the communication link, an indication of the secondary current I2, an indication of the DC current Ibat, and an indication of the DC voltage Vbat from within the secondary subsystem. Thus, the secondary subsystem may further comprise means for communicating with the primary subsystem, acurrent sensor 1036 for measuring, detecting or determining the current I2, acurrent sensor 1038 for measuring, detecting or determining the current Ibat, and a voltage sensor 1040 for measuring, detecting or determining the voltage Vbat. - The
secondary controller 1042 may be a master controller for both the primary and secondary subsystems, and may include asecondary PWM generator 1052, a target DC outputcurrent computer 1044, a secondary PWMduty cycle controller 1048, a primary PWMduty cycle controller 1062, and a bridge mode andcurrent ratio controller 1054. - The
secondary controller 1042 may control thesecondary power converter 1016 by controlling a duty cycle of the PWM waveforms PWM2,HB1 and PWM2,HB2, generated by thesecondary PWM generator 1052 for driving each half-bridge of thesecondary power converter 1016 separately, as well as controlling the operational mode (e.g., HB or FB mode) of thesecondary controller 1042. For example, in HB-mode, thesecondary PWM generator 1052 generates only the PWM2,HB1 waveform, while the PWM2,HB2 waveform remains static (e.g., holding the switches in the second half bridge in respective static open/closed states). In the FB-mode, thesecondary PWM generator 1052 generates the PWM2,HB1 waveform and the PWM2,HB2 waveform. In order to synchronize the secondary PWM waveforms PWM2,HB1 and PWM2,HB2 with the current I2 in terms of both frequency and phase, thesecondary controller 1042 may further comprise a synchronizer 1056 that receives an indication of the current I2 from thecurrent sensor 1036 and outputs a synchronizing signal to thesecondary PWM generator 1052. - Furthermore, within the
secondary controller 1042, the target DC outputcurrent computer 1044 may receive an indication of the DC voltage Vbat from the voltage sensor 1040 and a request for or demand of a target output power Pout_target from a battery management system (not shown) of the vehicle and determine or calculate the target DC output current Ibat,target according to:current computer 1044 then compares the calculated I bat,target with the actual I bat value utilizing asummer 1046, where I bat,target is subtracted from I bat according to:summer 1046 and input to the secondary PWMduty cycle controller 1048. In order to ensure that the primary current I1 never exceeds a maximum primary current I1max, the secondary PWMduty cycle controller 1048 also receives an input from asummer 1050, which compares the value of the primary current I1, received from the primary subsystem via the communication link, with a maximum primary current I1max according to: - The secondary PWM
duty cycle controller 1048 may then adjust its control output D2 based on the value of ΔI bat , in order to minimize the value of ΔI bat . The control output D2 of thecontroller 1048 is fed into thesecondary PWM generator 1052, which uses it to adjust the duty cycle of the signals PWM2,HB1 and PWM2,HB2 in accordance with the value D2. - The primary PWM
duty cycle controller 1062 may also adjust its control output D1, which is communicated to theprimary PWM generator 1032 of the primary controller in the primary subsystem via a wireless communications link, based on a comparison of the secondary current I2 and the primary current I1 multiplied by a coefficient ki. according to: - The value of ki corresponds to a load resistance RL appearing at the input of the
secondary power converter 1016 that is largely based on whether thesecondary power converter 1016 is operating in the FB mode or in the HB mode. - In order to make such a comparison, the bridge mode and
current ratio controller 1054 may be configured to receive the control output D2 of the secondary PWMduty cycle controller 1048 and the control output D1 of the primary PWMduty cycle controller 1062 and to output the coefficient ki. Amultiplier 1058 receives, as inputs, the coefficient ki from the bridge mode andcurrent ratio controller 1054 and the indication of the primary current I1 from the primary subsystem via the communication link, and outputs the result to asummer 1060. Thesummer 1060 receives, as inputs, the indication of the current I2 from thecurrent sensor 1036 and the output from themultiplier 1058, and outputs an indication of ΔI 21 to the primary PWMduty cycle controller 1062 according to Equation 15. The primary PWMduty cycle controller 1062 may then adjust its control output D1 based on the value of ΔI 21 , in order to minimize the value of ΔI 21 . - The control output D1 of the
controller 1062 is sent to theprimary PWM generator 1032 via the communications link and used to adjust the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM1 in accordance with the value D1. - The bridge mode and
current ratio controller 1054 may determine whether the values D1 and/or D2 (corresponding to duty cycles of PWM1 and/or PWM2, respectively) have exceeded any associated lower or upper limits. If either of the values D1 or D2 have exceeded the associated lower or upper limits, the bridge mode andcurrent ratio controller 1054 may adjust a control output to thesecondary PWM generator 1052, which instructs thesecondary PWM generator 1052 to shift from the FB mode to the HB mode, or vice versa. In some implementations, the upper limits for the duty cycles may be defined by the maximum duty cycle (e.g., 50%) and the lower limits for the duty cycles may be defined by system design aspects such as switching losses and/or peak current limitations of the switches within either of theprimary power converter 1012 and thesecondary power converter 1016. Thus, the bridge mode andcurrent ratio controller 1054 is configured to ultimately select the FB or HB mode for utilization by thesecondary power converter 1016 and to select the coefficient ki for the comparison of the primary current I1 and the secondary current I2. - In some implementations, the input-to-output voltage transformation ratio of the
secondary power converter 1016 may be 1:n2 or n2:1 if operated in the FB-mode and about 1:(n2/2) or (n2/2):1 if operated in the HB-mode, depending on the topology of asecondary power converter 1016. In such implementations, reducing the duty cycle of the signals PWM2,HB1 and PWM2,HB2 with generally decrease the transformation factor n2 in both the FB and HB modes. - Accordingly, the
secondary controller 1042 is configured to deliver the target output power P out_target as requested by the battery management system (not shown) at as close as possible to the maximum efficiency as calculated based on measured or estimated power losses and given the limitations and constraints of the wireless power transfer system. Thesecondary controller 1042 accomplishes this outcome by adjusting the primary power converter output voltage V1 (by adjusting the duty cycle of the PWM1 signal) and by adjusting the load resistance RL presented at the input of the secondary power converter 1016 (by adjusting the duty cycle of the of the PWM2,HB1 and PWM2,HB2 signals, and by selection of the FB or HB mode of the secondary power converter 1016). Thus, in some implementations, means for adjusting an input resistance of a rectifier (or means for rectifying) to a first value may comprise one or more components of thesecondary controller 1042. Similarly, in some implementations, means for adjusting an input resistance of a rectifier (or means for rectifying) to a second value may comprise one or more components of thesecondary controller 1042. - Regarding the load resistance R L , resonant IPT theory shows that wireless power transfer efficiency reaches a maximum when R L is equal to an optimum load resistance R L,opt . Normally, the efficiency vs. RL function shows a broad maximum area, indicating a low sensitivity of efficiency on the choice of RL. Therefore, in practice, a system that operates with RL near or substantially at RL,opt may be considered optimum in terms of efficiency. For a series-tuned IPT system, such as that shown for any of
FIGs. 6-10 , the optimum load resistance may be expressed as: - Thus, adjusting the wireless
power transfer system 1000 to the optimum load resistance RL,opt requires knowledge or an estimate of R1 and R2, as well as of the mutual inductance M (e.g., the coupling coefficient k) as determined by the air gap and misalignment of thesecondary coupler 1018 relative to theprimary coupler 1014. When coupling conditions change, the load resistance R L may be adjusted to a new R L,opt. Thus, in some implementations, estimates of loss resistances R1 and R2 may be used. These estimates may be system specific and may have been determined by the system vendor or supplier, or they may have been determined by some other procedure. The mutual inductance is easier to determine and may be measured, e.g., during a system initialization procedure. - As shown below, operating a resonant IPT system at an optimum load resistance is equivalent to maintaining an optimum primary-to-secondary current ratio k i,opt . Assuming validity of the approximate expression for the optimum load resistance of a series-tuned system, the resistance that is reflected into the
primary coupler 1014 may be expressed as: -
FIG. 11 illustrates a state diagram 1100 for operating a wireless power transfer system, in accordance with some implementations. As shown inFIG. 11 , the state diagram 1100 may begin in anidle state 1102. Upon receiving astart request 1104 the bridge mode andcurrent ratio controller 1054 ofFIG. 10 may instruct thesecondary PWM generator 1052 to operate thesecondary power converter 1016 in ahalf bridge mode 1106, where the system ramps up the secondary current I2 to a predefined (e.g., constant) value, which may be reached in any operating condition. When asteady state 1108 is reached, the system may adjust the currents I2 and I1 by varying the duty cycles of the PWM1 and PWM2,HB1/HB2 (via the primaryduty cycle controller 1062 and the secondary duty cycle controller 1048) to meet the target output power Pout_target and a first current ratio k; that is an optimum current ratio ki,opt, which acts to adjust the load resistance RL, presented at the input of thesecondary power converter 1016 ofFIG. 10 , to RL,opt shown atstate 1110. - During adjustment of the duty cycles, if the required duty cycle of PWM2,HB1/HB2 reaches or exceeds an upper limit D2,max or the required duty cycle of PWM1 reaches or exceeds an upper limit D1,max the bridge mode and
current ratio controller 1054 within the secondary subsystem may signal thesecondary PWM generator 1052 to transition thesecondary power converter 1016 to FB mode atstate 1112. Once in the FB mode, the system again adjusts the currents I2 and I1 to meet the target output power Pout_target and a second current ratio ki. This second current ratio k; may be a non-optimum current ratio, however, being as close as possible to ki,opt, which acts to adjust RL to a non-optimum load resistance that is as close as possible to RL,opt. For a series-tuned secondary, as shown inFIG. 10 , this non-optimum load resistance is larger than RL,opt. For a parallel-tuned secondary, this non-optimum load resistance is smaller than RL,opt. - However, in adjusting the duty cycle of PWM2,HB1/HB2 in the FB mode, if the duty cycle reaches or drops below a lower limit D2,min, the bridge mode and
current ratio controller 1054 within the secondary subsystem may signal thesecondary PWM generator 1052 to transition thesecondary power converter 1016 back to the HB mode, shifting tostate 1110. The system may transition back to theidle state 1102 from any state if a "system stop" request is received by the system. - In an alternative implementation and with reference to the wireless
power transfer system 1000 ofFIG. 10 , bridge reconfiguration is performed in the primary power converter 1012 (e.g., inverter) rather than in the secondary power converter 1016 (e.g., rectifier), and thesecondary power converter 1016 may be fixed to either a half bridge or a full bridge mode, but actively switching. In such implementations, thesecondary controller 1042 adjusts the duty cycle of PWM2, HB1/HB2 to meet the target output power Pout_target and to achieve the optimal load resistance RL,opt, if theprimary power converter 1012 is currently operating in the HB mode. If theprimary power converter 1012 is operating in HB mode and the duty cycle of PWM2, HB1/HB2 reaches or exceeds the upper limit D2,max or the duty cycle of PWM1 reaches or exceeds D1,max, theprimary power converter 1012 may transition to the FB mode. Upon this transition to the FB mode, the secondary subsystem maintains the duty cycle D2 at D2,max, which acts to maintain or adjust the load resistance RL at a non-optimal load resistance that is as close as possible to RL,opt. - In yet another alternative implementation and with reference to the wireless
power transfer system 1000 ofFIG. 10 , bridge reconfiguration may be performed in the primary power converter 1012 (e.g., inverter) and in the secondary power converter 1016 (e.g., rectifier). In such implementations, thesecondary controller 1042 adjusts the duty cycle D2 to meet the target output power Pout_target and to achieve the optimal load resistance RL,opt, if theprimary power converter 1012 and thesecondary power converter 1016 are both currently operating in the HB mode. If theprimary power converter 1012 and thesecondary power converter 1016 are both currently operating in the HB mode and the duty cycle D2 reaches or exceeds the upper limit D2,max or the duty cycle D1 reaches or exceeds the upper limit D1,max theprimary power converter 1012 and thesecondary power converter 1016 may both transition to the FB mode. Thesecondary power converter 1016 being in the FB mode may present the load resistance RL at a non-optimal load resistance that is as close as possible to RL,out. - Above control strategies may be considered optimum with respect to 1) primary and secondary side pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle limitations (e.g., switching losses), 2) dealing with worst case and best case coupling conditions, and 3) avoiding resonance bifurcation (e.g., splitting of the resonance response into two peaks), which may cause beat frequency issues e.g., as perceived by a ringing of the power transfer signal with a beat frequency equal to the difference in frequency between these two peaks. These distinct resonances may be excited concurrently e.g. in a controlled system, where adjustments of some parameters are performed in steps.
-
FIG. 12 is aflowchart 1200 of a method for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter, in accordance with some implementations. Theflowchart 1200 includesoperation block 1202, which includes adjusting an input resistance of an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in a first bridge mode, the rectifier configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The method further includesoperation block 1204, which includes adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode. The method further includesoperation block 1206, which includes receiving the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter. -
FIG. 13 is aflowchart 1300 of a method for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver, in accordance with some implementations. Theflowchart 1300 includesoperation block 1302, which includes adjusting an input resistance of a rectifieroperably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when an inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The method further includesoperation block 1304, which includes adjusting the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode. The method further includesoperation block 1306, which includes wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver. In some implementations, the first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is greater than the first value if the coupler is essentially series tuned. - The first bridge mode may be a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is less than the first value if the coupler is essentially parallel tuned. The method may further comprise adjusting a switching duty cycle of the inverter based on a current output by the inverter and a predetermined ratio between the current output by the inverter and a current in the wireless power receiver. The method may further comprise selecting one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of the inverter and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle. The method may further comprise selecting one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power receiver and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle. The first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the rectifier has the first value and the inverter is operating in the first bridge mode. The method may further comprise adjusting a ratio between a current circulating in the apparatus and a current circulating in the wireless power receiver in order to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier.
- In view of the discussion in connection with at least
FIG. 13 , several additional implementations for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver are contemplated. For example, some implementations include an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiver. The apparatus comprises an inverter operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, and adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode. The first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is greater than the first value if the coupler is essentially series tuned. The first bridge mode is a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is less than the first value if the coupler is essentially parallel tuned. The controller is configured to adjust a switching duty cycle of the inverter based on a current in the apparatus and a predetermined ratio between the current in the apparatus and a current in the wireless power receiver. The controller is configured to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of the inverter and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle. The controller is configured to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power receiver and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle. The first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the inverter has the first value and the inverter is operating in the first bridge mode. The controller is configured to adjust a ratio between a current circulating in the apparatus and a current circulating in the wireless power receiver in order to adjust the input resistance of the inverter. - Some other implementations comprise a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes a wireless power transmitter to adjust an input resistance of a rectifier operably connected to a coupler to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the inverter operates in the first bridge mode, the inverter configured to operate in the first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the inverter operates in the second bridge mode. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to wirelessly transmit the power to the wireless power receiver. The first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the inverter is greater than the first value if the coupler is essentially series tuned. The first bridge mode is a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the rectifier is less than the first value if the coupler is essentially parallel tuned. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust a switching duty cycle of the inverter based on a current output by the inverter and a predetermined ratio between the current output by the inverter and a current in the wireless power receiver. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of the inverter and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the inverter based on a comparison between a switching duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power receiver and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle. The first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the rectifier has the first value and the rectifier is operating in the first bridge mode. The code, when executed, further causes the wireless power transmitter to adjust a ratio between a current circulating in the wireless power transmitter and a current circulating in the wireless power receiver in order to adjust the input resistance of the inverter.
- Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
- Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the some implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the some implementations.
- The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the some implementations disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
- The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the some implementations disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.
- In one or more some implementations, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
- The previous description of the disclosed some implementations is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use those implementations. Various modifications to these some implementations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (15)
- An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power (240) from a wireless power transmitter (230), the apparatus characterised by:an active switching rectifier (616) operably connected to a coupler (618) and configured to operate in a first bridge mode corresponding to a first duty cycle and a second bridge mode corresponding to a second duty cycle; anda controller (1042) configured to:adjust an input resistance of the active switching rectifier (616) to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the active switching rectifier (616) operates in the first bridge mode, andadjust the input resistance of the active switching rectifier (616) to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the active switching rectifier (616) operates in the second bridge mode.
- The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the active switching rectifier (616) is greater than the first value if the coupler is essentially series tuned wherein the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler is connected in series to the inductor.
- The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the first bridge mode is a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the active switching rectifier is less than the first value if the coupler (618) is essentially parallel tuned wherein the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler is connected in parallel to the inductor.
- The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the controller (1042) is configured to adjust one or both of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle of the active switching rectifier (616) based on a current in the wireless power transmitter.
- The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the controller (1042) is configured to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the active switching rectifier based on a comparison between one or both of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle of the active switching rectifier (616) and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the controller (1042) is configured to select one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the active switching rectifier based on a comparison between one or both of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power transmitter (230) and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the active switching rectifier has the first value and the active switching rectifier is operating in the first bridge mode.
- The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the controller (1042) is configured to adjust a ratio between a current circulating in the apparatus and a current circulating in the wireless power transmitter (230) in order to adjust the input resistance of the active switching rectifier.
- A method for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter (230), the method characterised by:adjusting an input resistance of an active switching rectifier (616) operably connected to a coupler (618) to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the active switching rectifier (616) operates in a first bridge mode, the active switching rectifier (616) configured to operate in the first bridge mode corresponding to a first duty cycle and a second bridge mode corresponding to a second duty cycle,adjusting the input resistance of the active switching rectifier (616) to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the active switching rectifier operates in the second bridge mode, andreceiving the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter (230).
- The method of Claim 9, wherein the first bridge mode is a half bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the active switching rectifier is greater than the first value if the coupler (618) is essentially series tuned wherein the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler is connected in series to the inductor, or wherein the first bridge mode is a full bridge mode and the second value of the input resistance of the active switching rectifier (616) is less than the first value if the coupler (618) is essentially parallel tuned wherein the capacitor that compensates for a major portion of reactance of the coupler is connected in parallel to the inductor.
- The method of claim 9, further comprising adjusting one or both of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle of the active switching rectifier (616) based on a current in the wireless power transmitter (230).
- The method of Claim 9, further comprising selecting one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the active switching rectifier (616) based on a comparison between one or both of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle of the active switching rectifier (616) and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle or selecting one of the first bridge mode and the second bridge mode of the active switching rectifier based on a comparison between one or both of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle of an inverter in the wireless power transmitter and one or both of an associated maximum allowable duty cycle and an associated minimum allowable duty cycle.
- The method of Claim 9, wherein the first wireless power transfer efficiency is a substantially maximum attainable wireless power transfer efficiency when the input resistance of the active switching rectifier has the first value and the active switching rectifier is operating in the first bridge mode.
- The method of Claim 9, comprising adjusting a ratio between a current circulating in the apparatus and a current circulating in the wireless power transmitter (230) in order to adjust the input resistance of the active switching rectifier (616).
- A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes an apparatus configured to wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter (230) to implement the method according to any of claims 9 to 14.
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